The core courses for the Ph.D. in Physics degree are the same as those for the M.S. degree, plus PHYS 5302 and PHYS 6306. Further selections of advanced courses should be made in consultation with the graduate and research advisor.
Students seeking the Ph.D. degree must pass a preliminary examination and a qualifying examination as described in the departmental Graduate Booklet and in accordance with Graduate School requirements. Examination topics are drawn from general undergraduate physics and graduate core courses. The program requires a Ph.D. dissertation based on original research.
Students are encouraged to get involved in research early by taking PHYS 7000, which may count toward the degree. The 12 hours of PHYS 8000, required for the Ph.D., should be taken as early as possible after passing the qualifying examination. Students must maintain a B average in the core courses in addition to the overall B average required by the Graduate School.
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Texas Tech University,
LUBBOCK,
Texas,
79409, United States
The applicant must have earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - The minimum TOEFL score required is 79.
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60.
Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test (Cambridge CPE) - The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is a score of 180 or above.
Cambridge C1 Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) - The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is a score of 175 or above.
Recommended deadlines for international students are as follows:
January 15 for Fall and Summer semesters
July 15 for Spring semesters
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
